Last week I got placed for my collegiate equestrian team, and today I went out to help with the practice. Now I'm not so sure I want to join.

None of the equitation horses had water when we went out there. They took about 20 in to ride and they were loping around. They hadn't had water since about 11 this morning according to the barn manager. I was the one who told her they were out of water and while the manager was trying to figure out the electronic waterer, I went to see if people would help me haul water buckets. Instead, they told me "Thats [barn managers job] let her figure it out" and continued to ride the horses from about 5:30 on. (They were still riding around 6:45 when I left.

All of the riders were also extremely handsy. There were 10 riders to one instructor but she wasn't mentioning anything about it. They were sawing on the horses mouth, and yanking them around and slamming them in the mouth when they would act up. The instructor did mention that IHSA is only judged on your equitation not on the horse. I asked another vetran girl if this was common and she said "It's not supposed to be".

What would you do?

I'm thinking about just focusing on my lessons and not wasting my time here. My instructor is hosting a "So you want to event" seminar the weekend they are going to UT for a show so I'm already not going to the first show.

Im just not sure if I want to be associated to that. I also feel like maybe I am over reacting and it's not such a huge deal?

Me being me, I don't deal with this stuff and I'll let someone know what is on my mind whether they like it or not. I would leave, I have no tolerance for things like that.

Having said that, answering this with an open mind, I would keep an eye out on things to see if they improve. This could be an absolutely incredible learning opportunity if things improve. If the program just started, it could be that they don't have things settled with feedings and watering? tho it's not a good excuse to leave horses without water.

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